WASHINGTON – Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced that Ana M. Ma has been hired as the organization’s new Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff. Ma joins HRC from the U.S. Department of Labor where she currently serves as Chief of Staff.
“Ana is an exceptional leader who brings decades of experience creating positive social change,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “As we take our work expanding LGBT equality to new heights, Ana will ensure that we are working effectively to bring equality to everyone, everywhere.”
Working closely with Griffin, Ma will provide internal leadership and execute operational goals in partnership with HRC’s senior leadership team. Building on her exceptional management experience, she will work across the organization to ensure that priorities are integrated and executed throughout all departments.
“At this critical turning point in the LGBT movement I am thrilled at the opportunity to join such a dynamic and highly successful organization,” said Ma. “By ensuring that HRC’s vast expertise and skills are deployed strategically, we will hasten the day when all LGBT people are fully equal under the law.”
During her tenure as Chief of Staff at the Department of Labor, Ms. Ma worked on issues such as the Workforce Innovation Fund and the reintegration of veterans into the workplace. During the Clinton Administration, she served as a liaison to county and municipal officials across the country and worked in the Office of Employment and Training Administration.
“Ana was an integral part of my Administration, serving a vital role as a liaison, administrator and a trusted advisor during my tenure as Secretary of Labor,” said Secretary Hilda L. Solis.
Prior to her appointment at the Department of Labor, Ma was Chief of Staff at the U.S. Small Business Administration from 2009-2011 and served as Senior Counsel and Chief of Staff to Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) for three terms. She began her work for him after spearheading his first Congressional campaign in 2002 and helping him win an open seat in Pima County with forty percent of the vote.
Ms. Ma grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and graduated from the University of Arizona, receiving a degree in Political Science. She has been involved in grassroots organizing for over twenty-five years, and has participated in the electoral process at all levels – from the school board to the last six presidential campaigns.
A resident of Washington, D.C., Ma is engaged to her long-time partner and they plan to get married next year. Ma identifies as both a Latina and Asian-American. She will assume her new responsibilities at HRC on Monday, August 26th.
